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Cyhi Da Prynce had just a few hours to think about what he’d say to one of today’s most influential hip-hop artists. When the 25-year-old Atlanta native learned from mutual acquaintances that Kanye West was interested in signing him, he was on the next flight out to Hawaii—where ‘Ye has been recording his not-yet-titled fifth album.

“The first time I actually spoke to Kanye was in Hawaii,” recalls Cyhi on his first meeting with Kanye. “He reached out through different people. No ID hit me and said he was very interested in meeting me. It was also great that we were both on Def Jam, it made the transition easier.

“L.A. Reid and Bu Thiam were down in Hawaii, too, and worked everything out with me,” he continues. “‘Ye screamed out ‘Cyhiii!’ as soon as I saw him. I’m excited because I have someone that understands everything that I want to do with my career. He’s not in the box, Ye really understands what I’m trying to accomplish.”

Already signed to Def Jam/Konvict Records, Cyhi was in the midst of releasing his first mixtape under a major label. But with Mr. West extending his hand, a short vacay of sorts to the Aloha State put a minor detour in those plans.

“I had the mixtape done, but working with Kanye pushed me back, says Cyhi. “It’s still called Royal Flush. We’re looking at about 12 tracks, and it’ll be out next week. I was working on these songs before I ever met Kanye. Of course now I have a whole batch of new music dealing with the G.O.O.D. Music family that you’ll be hearing shortly.”

While Kanye is noticeably absent on Prynce’s forthcoming mixtape, the two have recorded a number of songs together that should be making their way to the public next month. Cyhi also confirmed that he has recorded tracks with G.O.O.D. Music fam members Big Sean, Consequence, John Legend and Pusha T, as well as Mos Def.

The biggest surprise, though, is a secret track Cyhi says he has in the works featuring both Akon and Kanye West, “Just know I’m the first artist to bring Kon and Kan together, the two biggest international artists out. I can’t say another word, y’all just got to wait.” —Mikey Fresh